MAURICE Edu helped keep Rangers in the title chase yesterday - then braced himself for a battle royale in the Old Firm decider.

The American rookie has recently been thrust into a key role in this year's title fight, taking over from axed skipper Barry Ferguson at the heart of Walter Smith's midfield.

Edu's first sustained top-team run has coincided with a six-game winning streak which has brought the championship race to boiling point ahead of the Judgment Day derby - a game Edu insists Rangers must win at all costs.

After helping his side to a 2-0 win over Hearts at Ibrox that cut Celtic's lead back to one point he said: "I'm ready for the Celtic game now and I know we will have to perform if we are going to win it.

"It might just be a battle and we have to be prepared for anything. We have to come out and play. You don't know if it will be a battle or a really attractive match - but I'm prepared for anything.

"I think that we're able to cope with different styles of play right now and we're getting the wins that are important.

"Personally I've learned how to cope with different styles of different teams over the last few weeks. I've seen real aggression and physical play.

"I'm adapting and enjoying it and it helps we're winning. I just want to win the games and win the league.

"I am looking forward to being thrown into an Old Firm game but I'll only be happy when we win.

"If it's the sloppiest game ever and we come out winning 1-0 I'll be happy.

"I'd rather the game be not the most attractive ever and we win than a beautiful game of football and we lose or draw. I just want to win. I think we can expect an intense atmosphere. The rivalry runs deep.

"There will be tackles but I think there will be chances too and I hope we can take them and win the game.

"We're happy with how it has gone recently but we can't psyche ourselves out and think too far ahead. I approach the games as they come and we'll prepare properly for Celtic.

"We're happy with the run of wins but we won't be satisfied until the season ends and we've won the title. Only then can we look back and say we did well. The job is not done yet."

Rangers wrapped up their latest win with another two goals from the prolific pairing of Andrius Velicka and Kris Boyd.

Edu said: "I'm just happy the strikers are on my side. I'm really pleased for Vella. He's got an opportunity and is making the most of it. And what more can you say about Kris Boyd other than he's a goalscorer.

"Overall I'm happy with their game and they have added a lot to the team."